An introduction to Bogotá

When you arrive Bogotá you’ll see those similar aspects of every metropole: traffic, a huge urban space with constructions spread throughout the city, endless avenues, endless blocks of buildings.If you are accustomed to living in a city on sea level like me, you will be affected at first from the altitude: 2600 metres above sea level, a capital city founded between the mountains. You will need to walk slowly and drink more water. The city is built in grid plan and it’s divided into Zones (G, T), the avenues and streets are numbered. You pass form one zone to the other, and most of the time get stuck in traffic. The old town of Bogota is called ‘La Candelaria’ and it’s historically and culturally the most important part of the city; its streets look like they are thrown out of 16th century. There are many museums to be visited in this area like the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, the Museum of Colonial Art. You can take two of the ‘free’ tours (you are expected to pay a tip at the end which is around 10 usd) they offer: one is the walking tour, the other one is the graffiti tour, both of which are guided by qualified guides with very good English; they last about two to three hours and they include the places at walking distance in the old town: highly recommended! In Bogotá, within the same day, it is either raining, or it has rained or it is going to rain. It will be always wet in any case! Do not forget to take your umbrella. To change money carry your passport, they even get your finger print. Always take into account the traffic when you head for the airport. And if you prefer a better way of moving along the city hire the cars that are contracted by hotels. Enjoy Bogota!